Bangladesh Tour Itinerary

Introduction: Bangladesh Tour

If you’re a global traveler looking for something more meaningful than just another crowded beach, this 13-day premium Bangladesh Tour is designed for you.

This curated journey blends:

The world’s longest natural sea beach
Coral islands with snorkeling
Hill tribe culture and soft hiking in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
Floating village and river life in the backwaters of Barisal
UNESCO World Heritage–listed mosques in Bagerhat
Wildlife cruise through the Sundarbans mangrove forest, home of the Bengal tiger

This is not just “a trip.” This is one of the most visible Bangladesh tours available, designed to show you the country’s wild nature, generation owned practice & peoples culture, spirituality, cuisine, crafts, and festival-mood people hospitality.

In this full guide, you’ll get:

Day-by-day breakdown (13 days)
What’s included / excluded
Price per person
Key highlights of each location
Q&A for common traveler questions
Quick stats and references
At-a-glance tables for clarity

This article is also written with SEO optimization in mind, especially for the keyword bangladesh tours, so that travelers researching luxury holiday packages can discover this experience.

Itinerary Overview (13 Days at a Glance)

Day	Route / Location	Experience Focus
1	Dhaka Arrival	Airport pickup, hotel, local markets
2	Dhaka → Overnight Launch to Barisal	Full city tour of Old & New Dhaka
3	Barisal → Bagerhat → Khulna/Mongla	Floating market & mosque city
4	Sundarbans	Wildlife cruise into mangrove forest
5	Sundarbans	Tiger points: Katka & Kachikhali
6	Sundarbans → Dhaka	Fishermen village, crocodiles, return
7	Dhaka → Chittagong → Bandarban	Hill district, tribal culture
8	Bandarban → Cox’s Bazar	Hill hikes, tribal peoples culture
9	Cox’s Bazar Area	Hills-to-sea landscapes, beaches
10	Cox’s Bazar → St. Martin	Ocean cruise to coral island
11	St. Martin → Cox’s Bazar	Snorkeling, coral reef
12	Cox’s Bazar → Dhaka	Fisherman harbor, flight
13	Dhaka Departure	Airport drop

This route is designed so that each region naturally “escalates” your experience: from heritage to river life, from mangrove wildlife to mountain tribes, from mountains to beach, from beach to coral reef. Few bangladesh tours cover this much diversity in one continuous loop.

Day-by-Day Itinerary Details

Day 1: Dhaka Arrival, Hotel Check-in, Local Immersion

Airport pickup in Dhaka.
Private transfer to a 4-star hotel near the airport or diplomatic zone.
If daylight allows: stroll through local bazaars and markets to get a first taste of city life, colors, spices, fabrics, and street energy.
Overnight in a 4-star hotel.

Why these matters for Bangladesh tours:
Most travelers arrive from long-haul flights. Day 1 is about decompressing, hydrating, and gently entering the rhythm of Bangladesh without pressure.

Day 2: Full-Day Dhaka City Tour → Overnight Cruise to Barisal

Today is a deep-dive into heritage, Mughal architecture, colonial-era buildings, and spiritual landmarks.

You’ll explore:

National Assembly Complex (Parliament Building)
Designed by Louis I. Kahn, one of the world’s most celebrated modernist architects. Architecture students often call it “a perfect study in monumental geometry.”
Curzon Hall (Dhaka University)
Built in 1904 with a blend of Mughal arches and European colonial style. Initially intended as a town hall for Lord Curzon, this building later became part of the university’s science faculty.
High Court Building
Constructed in 1905 in Renaissance style with a signature white dome, once intended as the Governor’s residence of East Bengal and Assam.
Dhakeshwari Temple
Considered the state temple of Bangladesh. Its origins are traced by historians to the 12th century, associated with the Sena dynasty. It is one of the most important Hindu temples in the country.
Lalbagh Fort (Mughal palace-fort)
Commissioned in 1677-1679 by Prince Muhammad Azam, son of Emperor Aurangzeb. Inside: Mughal audience halls, hammam, mosque, the tomb of Pari Bibi — with marble and stone imported from Jaipur and Gaya. This is textbook Mughal imperial presence in Bengal.
Bara Katra & Choto Katra
Grand 17th-century caravanserai-style complexes, once used to host traders, nobles, military guests, and to store goods. They tell the story of Dhaka as a booming provincial capital under the Mughals.
Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)
A visually striking mosque decorated with star motifs and ceramic tiles, elaborated in the 19th and 20th centuries. A jewel of Islamic ornamentation.
Shakhari Patti (Shankhari Bazaar)
A narrow, centuries-old Hindu artisan quarter known for shell bangles (“shakha”), which symbolize marriage in Bengali Hindu culture.
Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace)
Former residence of the Nawab of Dhaka, completed in its present form in the late 19th century. It’s a snapshot of aristocratic life under British rule.
Sadarghat & Buriganga River
Late afternoon boat experience on the Buriganga. You’ll witness wooden boat traffic, boat repair yards, and floating life at water level — it’s raw, cinematic, unforgettable.

End of Day 2:

You board an overnight launch / paddle wheel Rocket steamer (river vessel) in a VIP cabin and begin cruising south toward Barisal through the waterways of the delta.
This is where Bangladesh tours become truly different: you’re not just driving city to city, you are sleeping inside Bangladesh’s river network.

Day 3: Barisal Backwater Cruise → Floating Markets → Bagerhat → Khulna/Mongla

Morning arrival in Barisal. Transfer to Banaripara, where a private boat awaits.

Barisal Backwater Cruise Highlights:

Floating vegetable market at dawn
Timber rafts and coconut coir processing
River gypsy / Bede communities living in boats
Traditional boatbuilding yards
Narrow canal cruising through the so-called “Venice of Bengal” in Swarupkathi

You’ll walk through villages, meet locals, observe daily work and river-based lifestyles.

After lunch:

Private drive toward Bagerhat.

Bagerhat – UNESCO World Heritage
The “Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing a 15th-century planned Muslim city founded by Khan Jahan Ali.
Key landmarks include:

The Sixty-Domed Mosque (Shait Gumbad Masjid) — actually 77 domes. It’s one of the most important Islamic monuments in South Asia.
The mausoleum of Khan Jahan Ali, an extraordinary brick structure beside a freshwater tank.
Bagerhat is a core highlight frequently mentioned in premium Bangladesh tours.

Evening:

Continue to Mongla / Khulna area.
Check in to Parjatan Hotel Pashur or board the Sundarbans cruise boat for overnight.

Day 4: Enter the Sundarbans – The World’s Largest Mangrove Forest

Early morning (around 06:00), your purpose-built tourist vessel departs Mongla and heads deep into the Sundarbans.

What happens today:

Cruise through narrow creeks and tidal channels.
Stop at Chandpai Forest Station to pick up the armed forest guard (mandatory for entry).
Spend the day navigating mangrove waterways toward Kachikhali, also known as Tiger Point — an area with rich wildlife.

Afternoon:

Walk on forest land, observe open grassland zones where deer and wild boar often graze.
Climb an observation tower for panoramic views of uninterrupted mangrove and tidal inlets.
Late afternoon: silent boat ride through a side canal for birdwatching, otter spotting, and searching for estuarine crocodiles.

Overnight:

Private cabin on the boat, anchored inside the protected forest.

Day 5: Katka & Kachikhali Tiger Zones

This is one of the most adventurous days of the entire itinerary.

You’ll:

Take an early-morning birdwatching trip.
Walk an ~8 km green beach trail near Katka.
Visit coastal mangrove beaches and tidal flats where tigers sometimes leave tracks.
Explore Katka Wildlife Watchtowers and “Tiger Hill” areas, where you can often see herds of spotted deer grazing in open clearings.

Tiger sightings are rare but not impossible — and every traveler who enters these zones feels the drama of knowing the Bengal tiger still rules this ecosystem.

Late afternoon:

Slow canal cruise for photography.
Enjoy a BBQ dinner on board while returning gradually toward Chandpai.

Second overnight:

Onboard the vessel.

Day 6: Fishermen Village → Crocodile Center → Return to Dhaka

Morning activities:

Visit a Sundarbans fishing village to understand how local communities survive alongside tidal rivers, cyclones, and strict forest regulations.
Walk an elevated wooden trail to see mangrove flora up close and safely.

You’ll also stop at Karamjal Crocodile Breeding Center, which raises estuarine crocodiles and serves as an education point for conservation and eco-tourism.

Midday:

Watch for Ganges river dolphins in channels during lunch.

Afternoon (~14:30):

Leave the boat and begin a private overland journey (approx. 5 hours) back to Dhaka.
Check into a 4-star hotel near Dhaka Airport for convenience.

This stretch shows how Bangladesh tours are not just scenic — they’re living social documentaries, revealing climate resilience, conservation, and survival.

Day 7: Dhaka → Chittagong (Flight) → Bandarban Hill Tracts

Morning domestic flight from Dhaka to Chittagong.
Private vehicle drive (~92 km) to Bandarban in the Hill Tracts.
Check into Venus Resort / Cloudy Inn Resort or similar quality accommodation.

Bandarban afternoon experiences:

Explore the local urban tribal life.
Visit Buddha Dhatu Jadi (Golden Temple) — one of the most important Theravada Buddhist temples in Bangladesh, set against lush hills.
Cruise the Shangu River to explore ethnic village while green hills & picture-sque landscape rising around you.
Watch sunset from Nilachal viewpoint, a hilltop overlooking Bandarban town and valleys.

Overnight:

Bandarban resort.

Day 8: Hill Tribe Culture, Soft Hiking, and Nilgiri / Chimbuk

This is your hill and culture immersion day.

Scenic 4WD ride through rolling highland roads toward Nilgiri and Chimbuk.
- These are among the highest accessible points in Bangladesh, with sweeping views of misty ridgelines.
Visit tribal villages in the area to respectfully learn about indigenous cultures, languages, dress, crafts, and daily routines.
Gentle hiking to Haatibandha area for a close-up experience of life in the down hills.

Afternoon:

Transfer by private vehicle to Cox’s Bazar (approx. 3 hours).
Overnight in Cox’s Bazar.

This is where the tour shifts from mountain air to ocean breeze — a signature flow in high-end Bangladesh tours.

Day 9: Cox’s Bazar – Hills Meet the Sea

Your day includes:

Visit Ramkot (archaeological and Buddhist relevance, including Great Ashoka chaitya influences).
See Ramu’s monasteries and traditional Buddhist craft.
Pause near the reclining / sleeping Buddha image.
Drive the dramatic coastal road between Himchari and Inani Beach, where forested hills literally meet the Bay of Bengal.
Sunset over the water.

Overnight:

5-star class property such as Ocean Paradise or similar beachfront standard.

Day 10: Cox’s Bazar → St. Martin’s Island (Ocean Cruise)

At around 07:00, board the Karnaphuli Express (ocean-going passenger ship) for a ~5-hour cruise toward St. Martin, Bangladesh’s only coral island.
Check in to Coral Beach Resort or similar boutique island accommodation.
Enjoy grilled seafood / BBQ dinner under open sky.

This portion of the itinerary delivers the tropical island dream many travelers don’t even realize is possible on bangladesh tours.

Day 11: St. Martin’s Coral Reefs → Return to Cox’s Bazar

Morning snorkeling around shallow coral zones and turquoise water.
Visit smaller nearby islets such as Siradia for reef experiences (weather and local permissions permitting).
Lunch at the resort.
Afternoon sail or ship ride back to Cox’s Bazar.

Overnight:

Cox’s Bazar.

Day 12: Cox’s Bazar → Nazirartek Fish Harbor → Dhaka (Flight)

Morning:

Explore life at Nazirartek: fishing boats, fish drying yards, net-mending, traditional wooden boatbuilding and repair yards.
Witness the organized chaos of one of the Bay of Bengal’s largest fishing hubs.

Later:

Domestic flight back to Dhaka.
Airport hotel / 4-star standard stay near Shahjalal International Airport.

Day 13: Departure Day

This concludes one of the most complete Bangladesh tours possible in under two weeks, covering UNESCO culture, Himalayan foothill–style scenery, mangrove wildlife, backwater life, and coral beach paradise.

Pricing (Per Person)

Private airport drop-off.
End of tour.

Group Size	Price Per Person (USD)
2–3 people	$2,400
4 people	$2,000
6 people	$1,800

These rates reflect private service, guided experiences, accommodation, and specialized permits that are not typical in budget backpacker itineraries. When you compare similar multi-destination private expedition-style bangladesh tours in peak season (Christmas / New Year), this sits in the premium-but-still-reasonable category for a 13-day trip.

What’s Included / What’s Excluded

Included

All private transport by car, microbus, or Toyota Hiace
All hotel accommodation with 4-star level facilities (or best available standard in remote areas)
Private Sundarbans cruise boat with cabin
Government permissions for Sundarbans and Hill Tracts
Accompanied expert guide throughout the tour
Dhaka → Barisal overnight launch VIP cabin
All sightseeing by private car / microbus
All entry fees to monuments, heritage sites, museums and reserves
All meals from trusted, hygienic local restaurants and from the cruise kitchen

Excluded

Gratuities / tips
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, extra snacks, personal drinks, etc.)
Travel insurance, international flights, and visa fees

Questions & Answers (FAQ Style)

Q1. Is Bangladesh safe for foreign tourists?
A: The areas in this itinerary — Dhaka, Barisal regions, Sundarbans with armed forest escort, Bandarban under permitted access, Cox’s Bazar and St. Martin — are commonly visited by international travelers. You will be accompanied, transported privately, and assisted in all logistics. Safety and comfort are core to these bangladesh tours.

Q2. Will I see Bengal tigers in the Sundarbans?
A: Tiger sightings are rare in the wild. The Sundarbans is home to one of the last strongholds of the Royal Bengal Tiger, but most visitors experience tiger habitat, pugmarks (tracks), deer herds, crocodiles, monkeys, hornbills, kingfishers, and sometimes dolphins. The magic is exploring one of the planet’s great mangrove wildernesses, not a zoo.

Q3. How difficult is the hiking in the Hill Tracts?
A: The trekking is generally light to moderate: village walks, hill viewpoints, soft inclines. No technical mountaineering is required. It’s suitable for most healthy travelers.

Q4. What’s the best travel season for this package?
A: November to March. This includes Christmas and New Year holidays. Weather is cooler, visibility is good in the hills, the seas are calmer for St. Martin, and river cruising in Sundarbans is more pleasant. This is the premium period for high-quality bangladesh tours.

Q5. Are the accommodations truly 4-star everywhere?
A: In Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, and similar urban/tourist hubs — yes, 4-star is achievable.
In Bandarban and on the Sundarbans boat, the standard is “best available”: clean, private, comfortable, with local charm. The goal is authenticity + safety + comfort, even in remote ecosystems.

Q6. Do I need special permits?
A: Yes, especially for the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bandarban area) and the Sundarbans. These are handled for you. That’s part of the value of guided bangladesh tours versus trying to arrange access alone.

Quick Facts, Stats & Context

The Sundarbans (shared by Bangladesh and India) is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is globally recognized for its role in tiger conservation and coastal protection.
The “Sixty-Domed Mosque” in Bagerhat dates to the 1400s and is one of the most important Islamic monuments in South Asia. UNESCO listed Bagerhat as a World Heritage Site for its unique blend of Persian-influenced brick architecture and local Bengali building techniques.
Cox’s Bazar is widely cited as the longest uninterrupted natural sea beach in the world, stretching roughly 120 km.
St. Martin’s Island is Bangladesh’s only coral island, with reef shallows suitable for snorkeling.
Barisal’s “backwater” network is sometimes called the “Venice of Bengal” for its maze of canals, floating commerce, and river-dependent way of life.
The Bangladesh tourism sector has been steadily growing in value and attention. Eco-tourism, river cruising, and coastal retreats are rising sub-segments of international bangladesh tours, especially among travelers looking for “somewhere new” in South Asia rather than repeating Thailand or Bali for Christmas.

Final Wrap-Up: Is This the Right Bangladesh Tour for You?

If you’re looking for:

Warm winter weather over Christmas and New Year
Ethical wildlife cruising instead of mass safari
Coral islands and empty beaches instead of overcrowded resorts
River culture and floating markets you can’t find in Europe or North America
High-contact, real-world human experience (not just postcard views)
And a guided, safe, logistics-handled trip with 4-star comfort where possible

…then yes, this 13-day program is exactly the right choice.

You get Dhaka’s layered history… Barisal’s river life… Bagerhat’s Islamic architecture… the Sundarbans’ primeval mangroves… the spirituality and mountain air of Bandarban… the endless beach of Cox’s Bazar… and the coral sands of St. Martin’s Island.

This is not just one of many bangladesh private tours. This is Bangladesh in full color.